Now Playing: The Songbird of the West
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Episode Ten concluded with:
“Thank you, Glenn,” the
mayor addressed the man who had just taken the picture. Glenn Wilson was the
photographer, reporter and editor of the local paper. “Glenn tells me that the picture
he just took and the story of what happened to Miss Whiting yesterday will go
all over the country and really put our town on the map!”
There was another round of loud cheering. Felix
used the moment to whisper instructions to Carrie’s three rescuers. “You gents
can vamoose off the stage now.”
Episode Eleven
The
three men hurried back to the front row, where they had seats of honor sitting with
Bruce Patten, the owner of the Silver Crown and several other saloons. Patten
was a tall, dark haired man in his mid-thirties. Dehner had known him for less
than a day, but he had noticed that during all the congratulations to the
lawmen and gestures of concern for Carrie, Patten’s eyes had remained cold and
serious. As a result, when Patten’s mouth formed a smile it appeared to be an
artificial gesture.
After
they sat down, Tal Streeter whispered to Dehner. “Sorry about yesterday. I know
things didn’t go the way you hoped. I shouldn’t have fired on that outlaw you
had already wounded.”
“Well…”
“Should’a
knowed better. Bein’ trigger happy has already gotten me in trouble with Wells
Fargo. I killed two outlaws that robbed one of their stagecoaches.”
“Why
would that make Wells Fargo mad?”
“The
robbers had already hid the loot. Over four thousand dollars. Now, nobody knows
where it is.”
Rance
cringed. He could understand why Wells Fargo was not happy with the sheriff.
The detective turned his attention to the stage where Felix Murphy was
beginning to speak.
“Folks, as your mayor, it has been--”
“Felix,
just one thing!” The voice came from a gray haired, ruddy faced man in the
second row. He was obviously influential enough in the town to speak up at such
a major event.
“Yes,
Wilbur?” Felix couldn’t quite keep the irritation from his voice.
“What’s
the story on that skunk who lived?”
Mayor
Murphy noticed that others in the audience were interested in the question. The
irritation vanished from his voice and was replaced by an officious tone.
“After
rescuing Miss Whiting last night, the three lawmen brought the wounded man back
to town. He had nothing on him. Nobody in Dry River knows who he is. Right now,
he is at Doc Erickson’s house. Doc thinks he’s gonna live, though it ain’t
certain.”
Wilbur
nodded his head as he spoke again. “I’ve been thinkin’ maybe Glenn should take
another picture when we hang the no good. That would get us more publicity in
the big newspapers.”
A
murmur of agreement spread through the Silver Crown. “Excellent idea, Wilber!”
His Honor proclaimed. “We’ll make sure Glenn is there to take a picture when we
hang the kidnapper,--or what is left of him.”
That
joke received enough laughter to give Felix Murphy a chance to change course.
“As all of you know, Miss Carrie Whiting will be giving a performance here at
the Silver Crown tomorrow night and liquor will be served. Today, she is giving
a matinee for all the families of Dry River.” He turned to face Carrie who was
standing beside him. “Miss Whiting, speaking on behalf--”
A
shout came from the crowd. “Enough, Felix! Nobody came here to listen to you!”
“Ah,
yes.” The mayor hastily pulled a card from his side pocket and began to read
from it. “Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, Mr. Bruce Patten is pleased to
bring to our fine town, the musical artistry of Miss Carrie Whiting!”
Loud
applause and several whistles came from the audience. Carrie bowed gracefully,
nodded at the pianist positioned at the side of the stage and began to sing.
Dehner
was totally captivated by Carrie’s performance. This was a much different Carrie
Whiting that he was seeing. The previous day, Carrie had been relieved and very
grateful when rescued from the kidnappers. But she had also been withdrawn and
quiet. During the picture taking, Carrie had been poised and gracious but still
distant. Now, she seemed totally alive, connecting with her audience and
reveling in the moment.
Rance
wondered if this wasn’t an unusual performance for the Songbird of the West. He
knew little of her career, but was aware that she had begun singing in saloons
at a very early age,--around thirteen. The detective reckoned Miss Whiting had
sung in some pretty grungy establishments. Now, for the most part, she was
singing in fine theaters before well dressed audiences.
But
this day at the Silver Crown found her performing for families. The singer
seemed to be sending out her magnificent smiles to the children in the
audience. Carrie seemed especially joyful, at the end of the concert when she
led the audience in a rousing sing along of Oh!
Susanna.
As
the singer took her bows, Dehner began to chuckle at his own pretentions. Why
fool himself with pompous thoughts? He was as dazzled by Carrie Whiting as
everyone else,--especially the males in the audience.
Felix
Murphy rushed back onto the stage. “Before we finish, folks, there is a special
favor that Miss Whiting has agreed to do for our town.”
A
quizzical look suddenly came across the singer’s face. She was not prepared for
what was going to happen next.
Tomorrow:
Episode Twelve of The Songbird of the West
